By Mark Anthony G. Pangan

 

SAN FERNADO CITY, Pampanga, Philippines (PIA) — The City Government of San Fernando highlighted the importance of preserving Kapampangan heritage while strengthening cultural ties within the ASEAN community during the celebration of National Heritage Month 2026.

Led by the city government through the City Tourism Office, the celebration was held at the Santungan Ning Kulturang Kapampangan with the theme “Roots and Horizons: Our Shared Heritage, Our Collective Future”.

The event featured cultural activities such as photo exhibits, free calesa rides, food bazaar, and workshops that showcased local artistry and promoted greater appreciation of Kapampangan culture and identity.

Preserving heritage and strengthening ASEAN cultural identity

City Tourism Officer Ma. Lourdes Carmella Jade Pangilinan emphasized that culture remains a core part of identity that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.

“A nation without culture is like a person without a soul. Our cultural identity and heritage are very important as Filipinos,” she said.

She noted that the city government continues to promote cultural programs for the youth while also showcasing Kapampangan heritage and positioning it within the broader ASEAN cultural landscape.

“As Fernandino Kapampangans and Filipinos, we have a unique cultural heritage that we can proudly share with our neighbors in the region, especially within ASEAN,” she said.

Pangilinan also underscored the role of technology in heritage preservation, noting that digital platforms and museum archives can help promote Philippine culture to a wider ASEAN audience.

However, she emphasized that while digital tools expand access to cultural materials, human craftsmanship remains irreplaceable.

“There are parts of our culture that AI cannot replicate. The craftsmanship of our weavers, wood sculptors, and painters here in Pampanga remains deeply human and unique,” she said.

Art as a voice of culture and global recognition

Visual storyteller Gerald Gloton (3rd left) receives the Best Southeast Asian Entry award at the Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Photography competition, recognizing his excellence in showcasing culture and storytelling through photography. His works are on exhibit at the Santungan ning Kulturang Kapampangan in the City of San Fernando as part of the celebration of the National Heritage Month 2026. (Endel A. Mallari/PIA 3)

Featured artist Gerald Gloton shared how his works are deeply rooted in Kapampangan and Filipino identity, which he continues to bring to international audiences.

“I dedicate the images I create to our culture, our city, our province, and our country. It is a source of pride that the craft we have poured our blood, sweat, and tears into is being recognized internationally,” he said.

Gloton said receiving the Best Southeast Asian Entry at the Kuala Lumpur International Portrait Photo Awards strengthened his identity as both a Filipino and a member of the ASEAN community.

“To be recognized on the global stage as a Kapampangan and Filipino… and receiving a Southeast Asian award makes us proud to be part of the ASEAN community,” Gloton said.

He also encouraged young artists and creatives to continue honing their craft and using their talents to tell meaningful and often unheard stories.

“Keep shooting, keep persevering, and keep practicing so you can improve your skills over time. Stay passionate, inspire others, and keep discovering stories,” he said.

The celebration is part of the city government’s efforts to preserve cultural identity, strengthen public appreciation of local traditions, and promote Kapampangan creativity within the ASEAN cultural community. (MJSC/MAGP, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)